MNS versus NCP clashes: A tit-for-tat battle in Maharashtra

Mumbai, Feb 27: Clashes between two major political parties in

have once again reiterated the fact that how blatantly political parties engage in hooliganism.

After Suspected Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) workers pelted stones at Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray's convoy in Ahmednagar district on Tuesday evening, clashes between the two political parties have spread across different cities--Ahmednagar, Thane, Pune and Mumbai--in the state.

MNS leaders have come out with open threats against NCP workers. The entire episode has turned out to be a tit-for-tat battle in Maharashtra. After attack on Thackeray's convoy, MNS workers have resorted to stone pelting in four NCP offices in Mumbai.

"We believe in reciprocating in the manner we are dealt with. They tried to block the car of our leader Raj Thackeray. They should all remember their homes are in Mumbai," said Ram Kadam, a leader of MNS.

"If we are spoken to with love, we too shall speak with love. The reply will be in the same language. The workers who pelted stones at Raj Thackeray's convoy must first apologise," added Kadam.

NCP leader Jitendra Awhad said, "I don't know who attacked Raj Thackeray's vehicle in Ahmednagar. I don't know who attacked my office here. I would not like to make a statement. Whoever has attacked my office they are all cowards. If they had real guts they could have come when I was sitting here. They spent time here and there waiting for me to go out of the office. That shows what guts they have."

Sources say Thackeray's convoy was attacked as NCP workers were upset over his criticism of senior NCP leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

The attack on Thackeray's convoy took place around 8.30 pm at Bhingar in the Western Maharashtra district, about 125 km from Pune, local police inspector Shankarrao Deshmukh said.

Police have intensified patrolling in sensitive areas, where clashes between NCP and MNS are likely to take place. However, no arrest has been made yet.

OneIndia News